Community outcry forces rail line rethink

COMMUNITY backlash has prompted changes to a plan to elevate a section of the Outer Harbor commuter train line.

New designs for the raised track, part of the $896 million South Rd project, will be released within weeks after complaints from residents and Charles Sturt Council.

The Weekly Times Messenger understands the rail line is set to rise 7m above street level on the city side of South Rd and returning to ground level before the intersection of Croydon’s Queen and Elizabeth streets and the nearby station.

Previous Transport ­Department flyover designs showed the train line would rise east of South Rd and ­return to ground level west of Croydon station.

Elizabeth St resident and community reference group member Ivana Kotasek said the original design was “monstrous”.

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“There’s been a lot of disillusionment with this project,” Ms Kotasek said.

“Because of the community outcry they’ve pushed the elevated line away from the Queen St crossing.”

Ms Kotasek viewed ­updated plans at a meeting this week but was told by the project team the details were confidential.

However she confirmed the new ­design would not ­affect Croydon station.

Hindmarsh councillor Craig Auricht also confirmed the new plans brought the line back to ground before the station.

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